Junior Estimator

Description

Jr. Sales Estimator

Palmetto Air and Water Balance


Company Overview:

Palmetto Air and Water Balance, established in 1989, is a leading Testing and Balancing service provider. With over 350 employees across 27 offices in Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, we proudly hold the largest number of Certified Test and Balance Engineers and Technicians in the United States.

What We Offer:
We value our employees and are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Medical and Dental coverage for employees
• $30,000 Life Insurance included with Medical
• Vision coverage
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Short/Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Accident & Critical Illness coverage
• 401(k) matching program
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Holiday Pay

At Palmetto, we are driven by strong core values and aim to create an environment where employees can learn, grow, and thrive. We are excited to add a Jr. Sales Estimator to our team.

Position: Jr. Sales Estimator

Summary
The Jr. Estimator supports the preparation of accurate and competitive project cost estimates while developing the knowledge and skills necessary to advance into a Sales Estimator role. Working closely with the Sales, Engineering, Operations, and estimating teams, this position assists with reviewing project documents, performing equipment take-offs and reviewing bid documentation.
The Jr. Estimator will receive guidance and training from experienced estimators and management while progressively assuming responsibility for estimates of increasing complexity. This role reports directly to the Regional Estimating Lead.

Key Responsibilities
• Project Evaluation: Assist in reviewing project plans, blueprints, specifications, addendums, and other project documents to develop an understanding of project scope, requirements, and potential estimating considerations.
• Material Take-Offs: Perform accurate material take-offs from project plans and specifications under the direction of senior estimating personnel.
• Bid Preparation: Assist in preparing timely and competitive bids, proposals, pricing worksheets, and supporting documentation.
• Vendor Coordination: Request and organize quotes from suppliers and subcontractors and assist in comparing pricing, availability, and scope of work.
• Estimate Support: Assist Sales Estimators and the Sales Manager with developing and maintaining estimates, pricing information, and bid documentation.
• Scope Review: Identify discrepancies, missing information, potential scope gaps, and other items that may affect project pricing and bring them to the attention of the appropriate team member.
• Risk Awareness: Assist in identifying potential project risks, exclusions, assumptions, and opportunities that should be considered during the estimating process.
• Value Engineering: Assist with researching and identifying cost-effective materials, products, or alternatives that may meet project requirements while improving overall project value.
• Data Management: Maintain accurate and organized records of estimates, take-offs, vendor quotes, bids, project documents, and other estimating information.
• Market and Pricing Research: Develop an understanding of market conditions and industry trends that impact project estimates.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with Sales, Operations, and other team members to gather information needed to develop accurate estimates.
• Client Support: Assist with gathering information and responding to client questions related to estimates and proposals, as directed by the Sales Estimator or the Regional Sales Lead.
• Site Visits: Participate in customer and project site visits as needed to develop an understanding of project conditions, scope, and requirements.
• Software Proficiency: Learn and effectively utilize estimating software, spreadsheets, project management systems, and other tools used in the estimating process.
• Continuous Learning: Develop knowledge of company products, services, testing strategies and procedures, project requirements, pricing practices, and estimating procedures.
• Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy, organization, efficiency, and consistency and communicate recommendations to management.
• Career Development: Progressively assume responsibility for estimates of greater size and complexity as knowledge, accuracy, and proficiency are demonstrated, with the goal of advancement into a Sales Estimator position.

Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, business, or a related field is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, specifications, and other technical documents.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to learn estimating software and company-specific systems.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.
• Willingness to learn and develop estimating, sales, and project-management skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel to customer or project sites as required.
Core Competencies
• Attention to Detail
• Analytical Thinking
• Organization & Time Management
• Accuracy & Accountability
• Communication
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Problem Solving
• Initiative & Follow-Through
• Technical Learning
• Customer Service
• Commercial Awareness

Performance Expectations
The Jr. Estimator is expected to develop increasing proficiency in the company's estimating process and demonstrate consistent improvement in accuracy, efficiency, and independence. Success in the role will be demonstrated through the ability to:
1. Accurately perform material take-offs.
2. Understand project plans, specifications, and scope requirements.
3. Prepare complete and well-organized estimate packages for review.
4. Identify potential estimating issues before bids are submitted.
5. Meet established estimating deadlines.
6. Effectively communicate questions, assumptions, and concerns to the appropriate team members.
7. Develop sufficient knowledge and experience to independently manage increasingly complex estimates.
Qualifications:
• Strong analytical and mathematical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and estimating software
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and technical documents
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Self-motivated and able to work independently or as part of a team
• Reliable transportation
• Punctuality and readiness to work
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening
• HVAC, Plumbing, and Piping experience (a plus)

Physical Demands/Working Conditions: This position may require occasional lifting or carrying 20 to 50 pounds. The role primarily involves sitting for extended periods while performing office-based tasks but may also include visits to job sites or client meetings. Employees must be able to use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls and be able to sit, talk, hear, and stand as required throughout the workday.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Palmetto Air and Water Balance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Two-year college degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Three years of previous experience in estimating, preferably within the construction, HVAC, plumbing, or mechanical systems industry is preferred.

Qualifications:

• Strong analytical and mathematical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and estimating software
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and technical documents
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Self-motivated and able to work independently or as part of a team
• Reliable transportation
• Punctuality and readiness to work
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening
• HVAC, Plumbing, and Piping experience (a plus)

Physical Demands/Working Conditions: This position may require occasional lifting or carrying 20 to 50 pounds. The role primarily involves sitting for extended periods while performing office-based tasks, but it may also include visits to job sites or client meetings. Employees must be able to use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls and sit, talk, hear, and stand as required throughout the workday.